15 Zimbabweans killed in Russia–Ukraine war after alleged trafficking into Russian army
- Southerton Business Times
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
HARARE – At least 15 Zimbabwean nationals have died in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine War after being allegedly trafficked into joining Russian forces through criminal recruitment networks, the government has confirmed. Speaking at a press conference in Harare on Wednesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda said the victims were lured with promises of lucrative jobs abroad, only to be deployed to active war zones.
Soda revealed that a total of 81 Zimbabweans were recruited into the Russian military under deceptive circumstances, with 15 confirmed dead so far.
“It is with profound sorrow that I confirm to the nation that at least 15 Zimbabwean nationals have lost their lives in foreign battlefields after being deceived into enlisting in foreign wars,” he said.
“Let me be unequivocal: this is human trafficking.”
Authorities say the recruitment process often begins on social media, where so-called “ghost agencies” advertise high-paying jobs in logistics, security, or private contracting. Victims, many facing economic hardship, are persuaded to travel abroad, only to find themselves trapped.
“Once they leave the country, they are stripped of passports and personal belongings, leaving them unable to escape,” Soda said.“They are then deployed into conflict zones with little to no training or protection.”
He warned that in many cases, promised salaries are never paid, and recruiters disappear once problems arise.
The Zimbabwean cases form part of a broader pattern involving African nationals being recruited into foreign conflicts. Investigations by international groups, including INPACT and All Eyes on Wagner, indicate that more than 1,780 Africans from 36 countries have been identified within Russian ranks as of February 2026. Countries with the highest numbers include Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, and Kenya, with additional recruits reported from Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Security analysts say the trend highlights the growing role of transnational trafficking networks exploiting economic vulnerability across the continent.
“This is a new frontier of human trafficking, one that merges labour exploitation with armed conflict,” said Harare-based security analyst Tendai Moyo.
The government has urged Zimbabweans to exercise extreme caution when responding to overseas job offers, particularly those advertised on social media. Officials say efforts are underway to dismantle the recruitment networks and protect citizens from exploitation.
“Our citizens are being preyed upon by unscrupulous individuals who operate with complete disregard for human life,” Soda said.
The revelations have sparked concern over the safety of Zimbabweans seeking opportunities abroad, as authorities warn that deceptive recruitment schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Zimbabweans killed Russia Ukraine war
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